NTx Connect — November 2026
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NOVEMBER 2026 HOME BUSINESS COMMUNITY WELLNESS REAL ESTATE
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N T XC O N N E CT NOVEMBER, 2026 3 Fall Festival & Chili Cook-off at Shire Lane Estate CONTENTS NO.18 WELLNESS MORE THAN A WORKOUT: F3 THE CHUCK DECK THE HALLS OR DON’T: NAVIGATING HOLIDAY GRIEF BUSINESS 6 34 10 COMMUNITY KIDS VENDOR FAIR AT CITRINE 12 17 19 25 27 FALL FESTIVAL & CHILI COOK OFF AT SHIRE LANE ESTATE 28 BACKYARD ULTRA RAISES $20K ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART’S $12M CAMPAIGN COMMUNITY HERO: KATHY BHAT FACES OF NTX: RILEY TALBERT BUSINESS Q&A: CITRINE EVENTS 15 22 R E A L E S TAT E E AG L E ’ S V I E W HOMECOMING AT THE FARM WHAT EVERY BUSINESS OWNER SHOULD KNOW RECENTLY SOLD HOMES A NEW ERA FOR NEW TOWN PARKS 30 43 HOME & GARDEN COMING HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS 32 EVENTS FALL EVENTS PREVIEW NOVEMBER CALENDAR 36–39 41 F R E N C H TOW N C O N N E C T I O N FRENCHTOWN DEAD HEAT COFFIN RACE 45
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4 W W W. N T XC O N N E C T. C O M New Town at Te n Original poster art by Stephen Cox Scan to see the poster in full resolution on ntxconnect.com. While you’re there, see if you can find the two references to the Midnight Pruner.
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N T XC O N N E CT NOVEMBER, 2026 5 publisher’s letter VOL. 2 NO. 6 Every community has its stories. Some celebrate familiar faces, others recognize extraordinary contri butions, and a few become part of local folklore. This November issue of NTxConnect brings those stories to gether. Our September cover story on the legendary Midnight Pruner prompted a reader to point out a piece of New Town history we overlooked. The mysterious figure was commemorated in New Town's 10th-anniversary poster! We've included the artwork, with the artist's permission, on the facing page and invite you to discover the hidden references yourself. This month's stories highlight the meaningful ways people lift one another up. Our F3 feature explores how Fitness, Fellowship and Faith build lasting connections through shared challenges and service. Cindy Jackson offers a compassionate perspective on navigating grief during the holidays, while the Academy of the Sacred Heart's successful capital campaign demonstrates a commitment to future generations. We're also honored to recognize Ms. Bhat, a beloved neighbor and former Orchard Farm teacher, as our Community Hero. Her lasting influence reminds us that some of the greatest contributions come through years of caring for others. As Thanksgiving approaches, we're especially grateful for the people, traditions and connections that make New Town such a special place to call home. Thank you for being part of the story. Paul “Rosetta” Dinkins Inquiries: If you are interested in advertising, please visit ntxconnect.com/advertise-with-us. On the cover: F3 The Chuck at a morning convergence. Photo by Lexi Pyszka. M A G A Z I N E PUBLISHER Paul Dinkins EDITOR Brett O’Daniell GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lexi Pyszka CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lily Bauer, Paul Dinkins, Cindy Jackson, Brett O’Daniell, Meghan Rose, Deb Sanders, Danielle Steinberg, Lindsay Sutton, Riley Talbert and Lisa Tebbe CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jeannie Crosby, F3 The Chuck, Charlotte Greene, Lexi Pyszka, Meghan Rose, Deb Sanders and Riley Talbert SPOTLIGHT
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6 W W W. N T XC O N N E C T. C O M MORE THAN A WORKOUT: F3 THE CHUCK How early mornings and three simple pillars are building stronger men and a stronger community. By: Brett O’Daniell “Six Pack” Layout: Lexi Pyszka Photos: Lexi Pyszka & F3 I f you’ve spent much time around New Town, chances are you’ve encountered F3, even if you didn’t realize it. Maybe you’ve spotted men exercising around the amphitheater before sunrise, running through the neighborhood, or carrying cinder blocks through a park or parking lot. Perhaps you’ve noticed their F3 shirts, spotted their tent at community events, or seen members volunteering around town. From the outside, it might look like an unusually enthusiastic group of guys who enjoy making their mornings more difficult than necessary. But according to the men who helped build F3 locally, what happens during the workout is only the beginning. “It’s a leadership group disguised as a workout group,” explains Rene Cruz, known within F3 as “Curds.” F3 stands for Fitness, Fellowship and Faith. Founded in Charlotte, North Carolina, F3 has grown into a global movement built around five core principles: workouts are free, open to all men, held outdoors, peer-led and conclude with a Circle of Trust (COT). FITNESS: THE FIRST STEP There’s no membership application, personal trainer or expectation that participants arrive in shape. Workouts might involve running, pushups, burpees or carrying concrete blocks affectionately called “coupons.” Different participants take turns leading, ensuring no two workouts are quite alike. Every participant also receives an F3 nickname, usually humorous and rarely one he’d choose for himself. Jeff Doherty, known as “Thigh Master” and currently serving as The Chuck’s Nan’tan, or regional leader, emphasizes that F3 welcomes men across generations and fitness levels. “We meet guys where they’re at,” Thigh Master explains, while encouraging them to push beyond their comfort zones. As Ryan Talbert, known as “Majorette,” puts it, “Modify the exercise, but not the effort.” Each workout concludes with a Circle of Trust, where participants celebrate accomplishments, acknowledge struggles and offer encouragement. That circle often reveals the deeper purpose behind the early mornings. FELLOWSHIP: WHAT KEEPS THEM COMING BACK Making friends can become increasingly difficult as men grow older. Careers, marriages, children and responsibilities gradually replace opportunities to
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N T XC O N N E CT develop meaningful relationships. F3 creates space for those connections, often before the rest of the household wakes up. doing good things,” he recalls. “The community just takes such good care of each other, that’s really what keeps me coming back.” Matt Niederhauser, known as “Lambeau,” has participated in F3 workouts across several states. Wherever he travels, he finds something familiar. “The one thing that is the same across all the groups is the caliber of men,” he explains. Glenn Hughes, known as “Backhand,” exemplifies that commitment. In his mid-60s, Backhand welcomes newcomers and helps others whenever needed. “He will show up for everybody,” Curds says. “If he hears only one guy’s going to be there, he shows up.” His wife, Karen, shares that enthusiasm, frequently encouraging other men to experience F3 for themselves. Curds initially joined to improve his health, hoping to walk his daughter down the aisle someday. Today, the friendships are what keep him coming back. Majorette was already physically active when he joined, but he found something his existing fitness routine couldn’t provide. “I didn’t have the community, and I also didn’t have an outlet for GROWING SOMETHING BIGGER The Chuck’s story began during the uncertainty of 2020 when Curds discovered F3 at Creve Coeur Lake. Roughly 60 pounds heavier than he is today, he struggled through his first workout. NOVEMBER, 2026 7 “Couldn’t finish it. Felt like an idiot,” he remembers. But something unexpected happened afterward. During the Circle of Trust, another participant openly discussed personal struggles affecting his family. Rather than awkward silence, the man received encouragement and support. “I was like, okay, this is different. Let’s try this again.” With few nearby F3 locations, Curds began gathering men for workouts in New Town at the amphitheater. On November 10, 2020, the Citadel officially launched, becoming St. Charles County’s second F3 workout location. Growth wasn’t immediate. Curds remembers a snowy Christmas Eve when only he and another participant showed up. He admits he initially
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8 W W W. N T XC O N N E C T. C O M questioned whether the effort would succeed, but fellow F3 leaders encouraged him to remain patient. From those early mornings with only a handful of men, F3 grew throughout St. Charles County, eventually prompting a shift toward smaller, locally led regions. In August 2022, The Chuck became its own region through a process F3 calls “starfishing,” separating from the larger St. Charles region. Majorette, instrumental in that transition, believes six to twelve men is an ideal workout size. “No one can hide,” he explains, referring not to physical effort but to personal connection. “Your people are going to want to talk to you. You’re going to be noticed.” Larger groups, he says, make it easier to “fade into the background.” FAITH: SOMETHING BIGGER THAN YOURSELF Fitness and Fellowship are easy to recognize. Faith, however, can be harder to define. Thigh Master acknowledges that prayer, Bible studies and church involvement are part of the experience for many men. “That’s encouraged and accepted, but it’s not a requirement,” he explains. F3 defines its third pillar more broadly than religious faith, emphasizing a commitment to something greater than oneself. Ken Sipe, known as “Ariel” and a former Nan’tan of the First Capital region, which starfished from The Chuck, admits he initially questioned whether F3 had a religious agenda. “I thought there’s a church behind it. There’s ... a hook for something,” he recalls. While Fitness and Fellowship appealed to him, he described himself as “super skeptical” of the Faith component. That perspective began changing when he happened upon a QSource discussion after a winter workout. QSource is an F3 leadership-development program exploring purpose, responsibility, family and personal growth. “There’s an element of humility. There’s an element of it’s not about you,” Ariel explains. “Putting something that’s bigger than yourself seems… like super important.” “It’s a beautiful journey,” he reflects.
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N T XC O N N E CT MAKING A DIFFERENCE BEYOND THE WORKOU T The Chuck’s members host a Mother’s Day breakfast, support local food pantries through the annual Ruck “Can” The Chuck food drive, staff concession stands, participate in community celebrations and raise money for charitable causes. Its Backyard Ultra endurance event brings participants together while benefiting a family facing a serious medical challenge. Sometimes service requires considerably less organization. Members pick up trash during walks, rucks and runs, lend a hand to neighbors or simply respond when someone needs help. Lambeau remembers a particularly meaningful example involving snow-covered sidewalks near Discovery Elementary School. When someone sought help online, another community member offered a suggestion: “Reach out to the F3 guys; they’ll take care of it.” Several F3 members showed up and cleared the sidewalks. “One of the coolest things is when a random stranger knows a group is there for the community,” Lambeau recalls. NOVEMBER, 2026 9 Thigh Master describes a question that guides the organization’s community involvement: “If F3 disappeared, would anybody notice?” While the community might miss the volunteer efforts and charitable contributions, Lambeau believes the greater impact is felt closer to home, by the wives, children, parents and friends whose lives these men touch. The workouts remain free, the mornings remain early, and the exercises haven’t necessarily become any easier. But for the men of F3 The Chuck, the most important strength being developed may have very little to do with muscles. It is the strength to show up for one another, and for everyone whose lives they touch. SEE ALL 82 PHOTOS OF F3 THE CHUCK ntxconnect.com/go/f3-photos
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10 W W W . N T X C O N N E C T . C O M EAGLE’S VIEW Homecoming at the Farm B Y L I LY B A U E R More from Lily at ntxconnect.com/authors/lily-bauer H omecoming is a tradition at Orchard Farm that has carried on for years. We started the week off with spirit days and ended with an assembly. Our first spirit day was set day, wear your favorite matching sets. Then we had mathlete v.s. athlete, dress up as a nerd or a jock. Our third day was class colors, freshman wore yellow, sophomores in blue, juniors rocked purple, and the seniors wore pink. Thursday was rhyme without a reason, students could be anything from a rapper to a napper. Our final day was jungle themed which matched our football game theme. Students wore animal print and explorer outfits to school. This week we also participated in the Tackle Hunger Food drive against St. Charles High School. Last year we went up against St. Charles West and ended up winning with over 3000 lbs in cans. KSDK news also ended up covering our school on their Show Me St. Louis segment. Five different students went on and talked about why our school is participating and what we think the outcome will be. One of our starting football players, Terrence Curry, was featured to give his opinion on the upcoming game that Friday. We ended Friday with our annual assembly led by our Student Council. Our assembly started with a beautiful rendition of the national anthem by the Vox Aeries. We then saw multiple performances from our wonderful cheerleaders, dancers and band. After this we intro duced our homecoming court followed by a game of hungry hungry hippos with the court members. One of our senior court couples, Reese Garreau and Landon Prost, won the game. “Never once did I feel that we were going to lose, and when we won I felt a rush of joy,” Prost said. The two ended the game with 35 balls in their hula hoop, higher than most of the other teams participating. Our fall sports captains gave us updates on their seasons and encouraged everyone to come out and support, followed by our traditional chant at every assembly. This chant starts with the seniors yelling, “27, 27, 20 20 27” and ends with the freshman yelling their graduating year in the same way. After this, Menteer closed up the assembly and also let everyone know that we had won the Tackle Hunger Food drive again. On Friday night we had our Homecoming football game. The team faced St. Charles High School who had a 2-4 record. Our team was ahead at the end of the second quarter of the game, which gave us a good lead into halftime. During halftime we saw great performances again from our cheer, dance and band. Then we began the court walkouts. While each couple walked out, Alyssa Wilson, a senior at Orchard Farm, read off each individual's names, involvement, and en joyments. “I was super excited to announce my friends' names because I knew this was a big moment for them, and I am just glad I could be a part of it,” Wilson said. Eventually every couple walked out and it was time for the announcement of the Homecoming king and queen. “Your 2026 homecoming king is… Blake Hollrah, and your 2026 homecoming queen is… Lily
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N T XC O N N E CT Bauer,” Wilson announced. Blake Hollrah was asked how he felt about winning and he said, “I was shocked but very excited and honored.” After this, Orchard Farm’s STUCO worked behind the scenes to start deco rating the school for the dance the next day. By the end of the game, the football team brought home the win with a score of 35-0. On Saturday, students woke up for the big day. Some started the morning playing golf while others went out to get breakfast. “I got a haircut and bought my outfit for the dance since the other outfit I had didn’t come in time, and then I got food with my friends,” senior N O V E M B E R , 2 0 2 6 11 Dorien Davis said. Everyone had a different routine for that morning but always ends the night having fun at the dance. Being my last homecoming I would say this has been the best one yet. I interviewed other seniors on their thoughts of the last homecoming and got the same response. “It was the best homecoming because a lot of students showed up and were having a good time and dancing,” Hallee Inman said. Overall, homecoming was a huge success and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this tradition.
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12 W W W . N T X C O N N E C T . C O M COMMUNITY Backyard Ultra Raises $20K for Braxley the Brave REFLECTION BY ALI HODSON, BRAXLEY’S MOM T he 2nd Annual Backyard Ultra in New Town brought together 125 runners and ruckers who collectively covered 2,590 miles, raising more than $20,000 for Braxley the Brave and the ACTA2 Al liance, supporting research into the ultra-rare genetic disorder MSMDS. thinking about continuing to run for what can seem like an insurmountable amount of time." Other division winners included Keely Sloo who es tablished a new women's record (58 miles). In the inaugural rucking division, Adrienne Kennedy led the field (49 miles), while John Jockisch topped the men's division (47 miles). In this grueling endurance challenge, runners com pleted a 4.17-mile loop every hour until only one remained. New Town resident Hunter McClaran set a course record with 19 laps (79 miles), finishing at 3 AM. The morning after the race, Braxley’s mom, Ali Hod son, posted this to the Braxley the Brave group: “Knowing that I only needed one more lap to PR (per sonal record) made starting that last lap alone seem achievable,” McClaran said. He added, "The amount of people out in the neighborhood during the daytime hours of the race made it easier to keep the mind from But as incredible as that number is, it’s not the money that left me speechless. It’s what these people showed up and were willing to put themselves through for a cause that means so much to our family. Last year, this event raised just under $4,000. This year? They’ve already surpassed $20,000! 🤯
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N T XC O N N E CT For those unfamiliar, a backyard ultra is a true test of physical and mental endurance. You push your body beyond exhaustion, battle your own mind, and keep showing up for another mile, even when everything in you wants to stop. And in a way, that’s exactly what living with MSMDS looks like. Our ACTA2 warriors endure physical and mental chal lenges that most people will never fully understand. They face obstacles they didn’t choose, battles they can’t walk away from, and uncertainty about what tomorrow might bring. Yet they keep going. And so do the families standing beside them. All of those miles. All of that exhaustion. All of those people choosing to keep going. For an ultra-rare disease that most of the world has never even heard of. THAT is what humbles me. And beyond the miles and the fundraising, we met some truly incredible people yesterday. People who came as complete strangers but left feeling like friends. People who took the time to learn about Braxley, ask questions, share their own stories, and genuinely care about a disease they may have never heard of before. The world is full of really, really good people. And yesterday was such a beautiful reminder of that. As I shared in the video, living with an ultra-rare disease can be incredibly isolating. There are so few families in the world who truly understand this jour ney. But yesterday, standing in front of a crowd of people who chose to show up for our daughter and others like her, I felt anything but alone. And I think that’s what I’ll carry with me long after the miles and fundraising totals are forgotten. Not just what these people accomplished, but how they made our family feel. There are so few individuals in this world living with MSMDS, yet somehow, this community continues to build something extraordinary. There is real hope. There is momentum in research. And there are people who believe so deeply in the mission of the ACTA2 Alliance that they’re willing to push themselves to their absolute limits to help move it forward. To my sister, brother-in-law, Alex, their friends, the volunteers, sponsors, and every single person who N O V E M B E R , 2 0 2 6 13 showed up yesterday: THANK YOU. I hope you know that what you’ve done goes so far beyond fundraising. You’re showing families like ours that we aren’t fighting alone. You’re giving our children a voice. And you’re helping turn hope into the possibility of more tomorrows. 125 people. 2,590 miles. One incredibly rare disease. And a whole lot of people refusing to give up. ❤️ From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for continu ing to walk, run, and fight alongside us. ALL THE BACKYARD ULTRA PHOTOS ntxconnect.com/go/backyard-ultra-photos
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N T XC O N N E CT N O V E M B E R , 2 0 2 6 15 BUSINESS What Every Business Owner Should Know B Y L I N D S AY S U T T O N More from Lindsay at ntxconnect.com/authors/lindsay-sutton T here's something pretty exciting about the idea of starting your own business. Being your own boss, making your own decisions, and turning something you're passionate about into a way to make a living. What's not to love? Well, as just about anyone who's ever owned a business can tell you, there's a little more to it than that. Behind every great business idea are some not-so- exciting realities, like taxes, contracts, bookkeeping, and about a hundred other things you probably weren't thinking about when that brilliant idea first popped into your head. Fortunately, you don't have to figure it all out on your own. Three members of the NTx Business Network, attorney Chris Thornton, CPA Teilla Boyd of Boyd Tax Studio, and Logan Curtright of Recte Books, are sharing their expertise as part of an upcoming December 8 seminar covering the fundamentals of starting and operating a small business. And whether you're considering taking the plunge or have been in business for years, their advice is worth hearing. F I R S T T H I N G S F I R S T : P R O T E C T YO U R S E L F. According to Chris Thornton, one of the biggest mistakes new business owners make is attempting to handle everything themselves, particularly when it comes to legal matters. Filing your own LLC online might seem simple enough, but understanding what you're actually filing is another story. And when it comes to contracts, trademarks, and copyrights, mistakes can become expensive. His advice? Talk to an attorney and an accountant before getting started. Many will discuss your situation at no charge. Thornton also offers an interesting comparison when it comes to business partnerships. "Going into business is like getting married: lots of trust and tolerance," he explains, comparing operating agreements to prenuptial agreements. These docu ments help establish what happens when business partners disagree, something that's much easier to address before problems arise. And don't overlook protecting your work. Thornton recalls helping a photographer establish a regular copyright registration process, which later allowed the client to successfully pursue three infringement law suits. D O N ' T L E T TA X E S C AT C H YO U O F F G U A R D . If you're accustomed to receiving a regular paycheck, becoming self-employed comes with a financial adjust ment you might not expect. Unlike traditional employees who have taxes withheld automatically, business owners are responsible for paying taxes on their net income, sometimes through quarterly estimated payments. Teilla Boyd says one of the most common mistakes she sees is mixing personal and business finances. "Opening a separate business bank account and using it consistently for business transactions is a simple but important first step," she advises. She also recommends tracking income and expenses throughout the year and setting aside money for taxes rather than waiting until April to figure everything out. And don't forget about deductions! Home office ex penses and business mileage are two commonly
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16 W W W . N T X C O N N E C T . C O M overlooked opportunities, provided they meet the nec essary requirements and are properly documented. Perhaps her most important reminder? Just because money comes into your business doesn't mean it's all yours to spend. Some of it will eventually belong to the IRS. K N O W W H E R E YO U R M O N E Y I S G O I N G . Speaking of money, Logan Curtright says good book keeping doesn't have to mean expensive software or complicated spreadsheets. "Great financial management starts with simple, consistent habits rather than complicated tools," he ex plains. Even something as basic as saving receipt photos or maintaining a spreadsheet can make a tremendous dif ference. One mistake he frequently sees is business owners waiting until tax season to organize their finances. Another is assuming that having money in the bank means the business is profitable. In reality, some of that money may already be commit ted to bills, taxes, or other expenses. Curtright recommends reviewing finances monthly and treating the business as its own financial entity, rather than an extension of your personal wallet. And while software can certainly help, it isn't a substi tute for knowing what you're doing. As he points out, the old saying still applies: "Garbage in, garbage out." A L I T T L E P R E PA R AT I O N G O E S A LO N G WAY. Of course, nobody starts a business because they're ex cited about filing taxes or organizing receipts. The goal is to build something worthwhile, and as Thornton reminds us, business is ultimately about generating revenue and finding customers. But keeping that business running requires more than a great idea and a willingness to work hard. The good news? You don't have to know everything on day one. Knowing what questions to ask, keeping good records, and recognizing when it's time to bring in a professional can save plenty of headaches down the road. And there's plenty more where this came from! Join Chris, Teilla, and Logan at the NTx Business Network seminar on December 8, where they'll share even more practical advice, helpful insights, and tips for navigating the sometimes complicated world of small business ownership. ntxconnect.com/go/ small-business-seminar Whether you're opening your first business or have been at it for years, there's always something worth learning. DEC 8 SMALL BUSINESS SEMINAR ntxconnect.com/go/small-business-seminar
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N T XC O N N E CT N O V E M B E R , 2 0 2 6 17 COMMUNITY Academy of the Sacred Heart’s $12M Capital Campaign Brings Future Transformation BY LISA TEBBE More from Lisa at ntxconnect.com/authors/lisa-tebbe W hat would you do with $12 million? For the Academy of the Sacred Heart, that answer is dream big! In October, the Academy of the Sacred Heart, the area’s oldest school founded in 1818, announced a $12 million capital campaign --Blessed by a Saint: Philippine’s Path Forward. Inspired by the school’s founder, St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, it’s the most ambitious campaign in the school’s 208-year history. Mr. Horner acknowledges the incredible generosity of the community. “The Academy community has stepped forward with breathtaking support and speed, with more than $11 million raised in less than a year,” he says. “The community has made clear their support of this campaign’s success so that each Academy stu dent and teacher benefits. We are confident in raising the final important support.” For students and families, present and future, the cam paign addresses three strategic priorities: 1. Academic Excellence and Innovation: Anchored by the Boschert Engineering Center, this initiative will expand STEM, science, and engineering edu cation while introducing enhanced opportunities in entrepreneurship, design thinking, creativity, and leadership development. 1. Endowment and Enrollment: Building long-term financial sustainability through increased support for affordability, faculty excellence, and enroll ment growth 2. Campus Master Plan: Preserving the beauty and history of the 208-year-old campus while creating vibrant, future-focused spaces for learning, collab oration, and community
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18 W W W . N T X C O N N E C T . C O M The success of the campaign has made big dreams possible. Initial early and transformational support has come from Eric and Kelli Schaefer, whose daughters are Academy alumnae. Their $1 million gift will fund The Schaefer Welcome Center. Additional key projects will reimagine spaces for Middle School transforma tion, a Center for Excellence, and Campus Commons. The transformation will be evident in programs as well. Every Academy student will have new or ex panded academic programs that build upon the rigor of existing programs. A dedicated science teacher will be added so that students from three years old to Eighth grade will benefit from exceptional science curricula and teaching. Middle School students in Fifth through Eighth grade will participate in engineering, design thinking, and entrepreneurship programs. New lab spaces will be designed for increased hands- on learning. The Academy is partnering with BSI Constructors and Mission Architects to bring the vision to life. “The Academy, BSI, and Mission understand the importance of updating spaces while respecting their historical significance, providing spaces that best support learn ing – both now and in the future -- a focus on propelling enrollment, and accomplishing renovation goals within budget,” adds Horner. A series of evening conversations will be held in November to welcome input from the Academy community. Now in its 208th year, the Academy is well-positioned for the next century of education. Horner concludes, “The success of the Blessed by a Saint campaign reflects our legacy and confidence in our future. Through faith, courage, and the generosity of our Sacred Heart community, we will honor St. Philippine’s mission and ensure that her flame continues to burn brightly in the hearts of generations to come.” To learn more about Blessed by a Saint, visit ash1818.org/campaign.
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N T XC O N N E CT N O V E M B E R , 2 0 2 6 19 BY MEGHAN ROSE More from Meghan at ntxconnect.com/authors/meghan-rose K athy Bhat is a familiar name throughout the Orchard Farm School District. Whether it was producing a musical, teaching piano lessons, or subbing at Discovery Elementary, Mrs. Bhat rose to the occasion. As this month’s community hero, she was chosen for her dedication to helping the community. Kathy taught at Orchard Farm High and Orchard Farm Middle School for 25 years. During her first seven years teaching at Orchard Farm, she witnessed her first group of sixth graders grow up and graduate as seniors. “To see kids grow from middle school, through high school, you just become very connected with them and their families,” Kathy said. Growing up in a small town drew Kathy to Orchard Farm. Her high school choir director had taken a small school and made it into a program capable of compet ing with larger schools. When she began as a choir teacher, she took on the same mindset that her choir teacher had. “It doesn’t matter what size school you are; excellence is excellence, so that’s what we always did,” Kathy said. Although the community continues to grow rapidly, Kathy isn’t intimidated by the changes. Instead she sees opportunities to help more people. Since retiring in 2025, Kathy has begun to sub at Discovery Elemen tary School and helps a small group of families get their children to school. These small efforts do not go unnoticed. Fox Hill connects to an industrial road and leads to Discovery Elementary. On these roads, there are no houses to watch children walking to the school. Kathy took it upon herself one day to keep an eye on these children by either picking them up in her car or walk ing them on nicer days. Two years ago, Kathy noticed that the sidewalks on the hill were unsafe to walk on during the winter when it snows. Before long, she had gotten other community members to help shovel the hill and make it safe. When Kathy takes these children to school, she is able to build connections with them and give them a familiar face who is able to support them at school. Kathy’s personal life has played an important role in how she helps in the community today. Raising her two children as a single mother, she experienced firsthand what it felt like to receive help in that journey. She believes that the best way to be grateful is to pay it
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20 W W W . N T X C O N N E C T . C O M forward. “I really do look for opportunities to help fam ilies in ways that maybe no one else can,” Kathy said. Although Kathy is busier in retirement than she was while teaching, she still puts all of her efforts into helping the community. With this, she tries to find a balance between her service and her personal prior ities. For three weeks in October, Kathy traveled to India to visit her aunt; before then, she worried about the kids she was taking to school since she had built a strong relationship with them. Kathy made arrange ments to ensure the children were taken care of while she was away. Living in a large, growing community, it can be a challenge to personalize involvement and find relationships, but Kathy Bhat finds a way to do it. Through her selfless support, she truly makes a difference in this tight-knit community. In Kathy’s own words, “If I’m going to do something, I want it to be meaningful, because that’s just what I’ve always done.” “If I’m going to do something, I want it to be meaningful, because that’s just what I’ve always done.”
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22 W W W . N T X C O N N E C T . C O M BUSINESS Q&A Citrine Events T here are many awesome venues available in North St. Charles City for those planning an event, large or small. We talked to Kim Nolte, long-time owner of Salon Turbo, who recently opened Citrine Events, a space where abundance gathers. NTx: What inspired you to start Citrine Events and how did your adjoining business, Salon Turbo, influence your decision to create this unique venue? Nolte: After opening Salon Turbo, I started a business community called Lady Bosses to support and connect female entrepreneurs. Then a couple of years ago I started renting out shelves in my salon to local ven dors. I now have 26 local vendors and many of those vendors have been with me since the very beginning. The vendors eventually led to the inspiration behind Citrine Events. We started hosting events in and around the salon, so when the unit next to the salon became available, I thought it would be an easy transi tion since we were already hosting events. Now we just have the space to do it. I envisioned a place where small businesses could connect, collaborate, share their talents and bring people together. NTx: Where did the name Citrine Events come from? Nolte: I journal every morning and my intentions often center around peace, joy, success and abundance. When I began preparing to open the event space, I wanted a name that reflected those same values and would attract like-minded entrepreneurs who wanted to build businesses rooted in positivity and abundance. I researched the crystal associated with joy and abun dance and as it turns out, Citrine is the crystal of joy and abundance. Citrine is also my son Keegan’s birthstone, which made the name feel even more right. Sidebar: Salon Turbo was named after her son, Keegan. When he was a baby, her nephew suggested naming him Turbo after the animated snail. Keegan spent the first five months of his life in the NICU and the nickname stuck. It eventually became the name of her salon. NTx: Citrine is designed to host a wide range of gath erings—from book clubs and small business collabora tions to birthday parties and wellness workshops. What was your vision for creating such a multi-func tional space? Nolte: My vision was to create a welcoming, versatile space that brings people together and gives local entre preneurs and community members a place to share their passions. I wanted to attract like-minded small business owners who value connection, creativity and supporting one another.
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N T XC O N N E CT Rather than limiting Citrine to one type of event, I wanted it to be a place where people could bring almost any idea to life. We’ve hosted everything from yoga, breathwork and sound baths to a chili cook-off, a Sweet 16 birthday party, a bourbon event and the kids’ vendor fair. We even had someone rent the space for her daughter and friends to get ready for homecoming! I love that every event is different. Citrine is more than a rental space; it’s a place where people can create memories, discover new experiences and build meaningful connections. There are so many awesome small businesses out there and I wanted to offer them a place to grow & succeed. NTx: Citrine offers a blend of elegant indoor and outdoor spaces. How do clients typically utilize both areas during their events? Nolte: Citrine comfortably accommodates up to 20 seated guests, with the flexibility to host around 30 guests for more casual standing-room gatherings and up to 40 if they’d also like to utilize the outdoor space as well. Many clients enjoy using both the indoor and outdoor areas, opening the French doors to create a natural flow between the two spaces. It gives guests room to mingle, enjoy the atmosphere and make the most of the setting. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks or we have a wide array of pre ferred vendors to choose from to enhance their event. NTx: You feature local artists in your space, such as artist Jack Whitney for September and October. Tell us more about this initiative. Nolte: Supporting local talent is an important part of what Citrine represents. Every two months, we feature a new local artist and display their work throughout the space. All of the artwork on display is available for purchase, giving artists an opportunity to showcase their creativity and connect with potential buyers. N O V E M B E R , 2 0 2 6 23 During the artist’s first month, we host a Meet the Artist event where guests can meet the artist, learn more about their work and are welcome to purchase their pieces. We also offer complimentary showings to guests in between events. I love being able to give local artists another platform to share their talents. It creates a space where art, community and small business support come together. NTx: What has been one of your favorite or most memorable events hosted at Citrine so far? Nolte: The vendor fairs are definitely among my favorites, especially the Kids Vendor Fair. We’ve been incredibly lucky to have great weather for most of our events so it is fun to see all of the unique vendors and the community supporting them. There’s so much joy in that and it’s exactly the kind of experience I hoped Citrine would create. NTx: For neighbors or local business owners looking to host an event, what is the best way to get started? Nolte: I’d love to hear from anyone interested in hosting an event at Citrine! You can call or text me at (636) 699-8163 or email me at contactcitrineevents@ gmail.com. Whether you’re planning a workshop, a private celebration, a business gathering or something completely unique, I’d love to help you bring your vision to life! Check out the calendar of events on their website: https://eventsatcitrine.com/ You can also find out about events at Citrine on Facebook, Instagram, and NTxConnect.com/events.
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N T XC O N N E CT N O V E M B E R , 2 0 2 6 25 FAC E S O F N T X Getting to Know the Faces of NTx Connect: Riley Talbert B Y L I N D S AY S U T T O N More from Lindsay at ntxconnect.com/authors/lindsay-sutton R iley Talbert has been busy introducing readers to some of the interesting people in our commu nity, and we thought it was time to turn the tables and introduce you to the person behind her writ ing! At 22, Riley is a senior at Missouri State University in Springfield, majoring in English with a focus on creative writing. A lifelong St. Charles resident, she moved to New Town with her family in 2015. Interestingly enough, writing wasn't always Riley's career path. She spent her first two years of college studying wildlife biology before realizing that, while she loved the subject, something was missing. "Science didn't bring me the same joy creating did," she explains. Growing up in what she affectionately calls a "family of nerds," Riley was surrounded by books, movies, video games, and plenty of imagination. She spent much of her childhood dreaming up characters and imaginary worlds, filling notebooks and binders with stories, so her creative streak goes way back. "I was hardly ever bored, because I was constantly imagining fun worlds and characters to get lost in," she recalls. Today, Riley continues writing fiction while also exploring journalism. In addition to NTx Connect, which she started writing for this past summer, she contributes to Sartorial, Missouri State's student-led fashion and opinion magazine. And for someone attending college a few hours from home, it's been about more than just writing. "I love St Charles, and miss home often," she shares. "I love being able to connect with different people from my community, many of whom I probably wouldn't know if it wasn't for the magazine!" There's been another unexpected benefit, too. Riley admits she's naturally introverted and sometimes ner vous about meeting new people. Interviewing commu nity members has helped her step outside her comfort zone and make some wonderful connections along the way. Of course, balancing college and writing assignments doesn't leave much free time. Riley describes this semester as her busiest yet, relying on calendars, daily lists, and little moments of downtime to stay organized. But when she does find a spare moment, there's no shortage of hobbies! Riley loves movies, video games, concerts, and attending fan conventions in cosplay with friends. She's also a member of her university's birdwatching club, enjoys hiking, and has recently taken up rock climbing. Looking ahead, Riley hopes to attend graduate school for a master's degree in Library and Information Sciences. She's also pursuing a certificate in museum studies and hopes to eventually work in libraries or archives, helping preserve important pieces of history. And the writing? That's not going anywhere! Riley hopes to continue writing fiction and someday have her short stories published. We're glad Riley's love of storytelling has found a place here at NTx Connect. And while she may be spending the school year a few hours away, we're happy to have a little piece of her creativity and hometown pride right here in our pages!
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N T XC O N N E CT Ki ds Ve ndor Fair at Cit rine Nine of seventeen. See all the Kids Vendor Fair photos, find yours, share it or download the original at ntxconnect.com/go/vendor-fair-photos. N O V E M B E R , 2 0 2 6 27
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28 W W W . N T X C O N N E C T . C O M Fall Festival & Chili Cook Off at Shire Lane Estate Layout & Photos: Lexi Pyszka What a wonderful afternoon of autumn fun, delicious food, and community spirit! From local vendors and pumpkin painting to a lively Prize Walk, neighbors and families came together for a memorable fall celebration. John Carney served as emcee, while Larry Gerst provided live music, both generously volunteering their time to make the afternoon special. Thanks to the generosity of attendees and local supporters, the event raised more than $1,240 for the Commons Foundation, supporting its mission of neighbors helping neighbors. Special appreciation goes to the many New Town businesses and individuals who donated prizes to make the fundraiser possible. Congratulations to Deb Sanders, who won the Chili Cook-Off and generously shared her winning recipe with the community! Deb Sanders Chili Recipe Ingredients: ■ 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil ■ 1.25 lb extra lean ground beef ■ 1/4 cup brown sugar ■ 1 tbsp McCormick Montreal Seasoning ■ 1 medium onion, diced ■ 1 red bell pepper, diced ■ 1 green bell pepper, diced ■ 1 tbsp red wine vinegar ■ 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce ■ 3-4 cups tomato sauce ■ 2 tbsp tomato paste ■ 1 can (14 oz) “chili ready” diced tomatoes ■ 1 can (14 oz) dark red kidney beans (drained) ■ 1 can (14 oz) black beans (drained) ■ 1-2 tsp chili powder ■ 1-2 tsp peach/jalapeno hot sauce Directions: Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add oil and meat to the pan, breaking up the meat. Combine brown sugar and steak seasoning, add to meat and combine. When the meat has browned, reduce heat to medium, add the diced onion and peppers, red wine vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 5 minutes. Add 2 cups of tomato sauce and the tomato paste to the pan. Stir to combine. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 5 more minutes. Add the cans of diced tomatoes and beans and 1-2 cups of tomato sauce (depending on how thick you like your chili). Stir to combine. Add chili powder and hot sauce. Adjust amounts of chili powder and hot sauce to suit your taste. Eat right away or let it sit overnight so the flavors are infused completely.
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N T XC O N N E CT N O V E M B E R , 2 0 2 6 29 October 18, 2026
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30 W W W . N T X C O N N E C T . C O M RECENTLY SOLD HOMES Brought to you by: The Donati Real Estate Group 3404 Charlestowne Crossing 3 3 1,744/sqft. 338 Tiber Place 4 4 4033 Hempstead Street 2,260/sqft. 3 3 1,872/sqft. 10 Days on Market 1 Day on Market 67 Days on Market List Price: $350,000 Sold Price: $345,000 List Price: $549,900 Sold Price: $560,000 List Price: $439,000 Sold Price: $413,000 3201 S Civic Green Way 3247 Chester Boulevard 1401 Tamarack Drive Buyer Represented By: Julia Miller, ReeceNichols Real Estate 3 3 Listed By: Vic & Diane Donati, RE/MAX EDGE 1,360/sqft. 5 4 Buyer Represented By: Joshua “Sloth” Jones, Worth Clark Realty 4,466/sqft. 3 2 1,245/sqft. 5 Days on Market 17 Days on Market 10 Days on Market List Price: $285,000 Sold Price: $285,000 List Price: $514,900 Sold Price: $550,000 List Price: $314,900 Sold Price: $300,000 Avg Sale Price: $384,000 rolling 6-mo avg = $390,000 Listed By: Brenda Souter, Coldwell Banker Realty - Gundaker # of Homes Sold: 22 Listed By: Valerie Farrell, Coldwell Banker Realty - Gundaker Listed By & Buyer Represented By: Bryan Sitarski, Meyer Real Estate rolling 6-mo avg = 28 Avg Days on Market: 32 rolling 6-mo avg = 30 Avg Price per Square Foot: $221 rolling 6-mo avg = $224 September OFSD Home Stats
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32 W W W . N T X C O N N E C T . C O M HOME & GARDEN Coming Home for the Holidays B Y R I L E Y TA L B E R T More from Riley at ntxconnect.com/authors/riley-talbert O ne of my favorite feelings is the simple comfort that washes over me when I make the final turn into New Town after a long, two-hundred-mile drive from college. Slowing down, rolling past familiar homes decorated with welcoming, festive lights, and being surrounded by rows of trees tinted autumnal oranges and reds–I feel at home before I even put my car in park. Coming home for the holidays is something I look for ward to every year; it is the only time I can truly relax during my fall semester. My home and the surrounding community become a haven for me in these little pockets of academic rest, and I cherish them deeply. Inherent to the holiday season is a feeling of deep com passion and connection between people–whether they are family, friends, or neighbors. This is why I love being in New Town this time of year; those feelings are so present here, and I enjoy sharing them with those I love. Of course, spending time with my family is what I enjoy most about these breaks. We all love spending the holidays together–me, my parents, my younger brother, and our two dogs. We tend to keep our cele brations simple; there are no elaborate parties being thrown or high-intensity winter sports being played. We like to stay home for the most part, enjoying each other’s company, watching holiday movies (usually The Addams Family Values for Thanksgiving and Elf for Christmas), and eating good food. Every time I come home, I am usually enlisted to make my classic chocolate chip cookies, which never last long after they’re baked. When we do get out of the house, my family and I love driving through New Town, admiring the colorful lights and festive decorations adorning almost every home. One of our favorite spots to visit is the big Christmas display on South New Town Avenue, com plete with a grand archway and dozens of animatronics to help passersby feel truly transported into its winter wonderland. We also enjoy going on simple walks through town together, breathing in the crisp autumn air and admiring the scenery. When I come home for breaks, I allow myself to slow down, relax, and be present with my family and community. I almost never go a day without making myself a warm drink, reading a bit of a book that’s been collecting dust on my shelf, or playing silly video games with my brother. Sometimes I’ll take a nap on the living room couch with a dog snuggled into the crook of my knees. Sometimes I’ll work on a puzzle with my mom. Or maybe I’ll simply sit in the same room as my family, sharing comfortable silence with each other. Rather than big holiday celebrations or traditions, it’s these little moments of togetherness and rest that truly help me feel at home. As a college student, the relationship I have to my hometown isn’t as simple as it once was. Rather than simply being the place I return to at the end of the day, it is now a space of rejuvenation and connection. Spending so much of my time away from New Town has only strengthened the love and appreciation I feel for it when I have the privilege of visiting, even if it is only for a short period of time. As much as I love school and the home I have created for myself in my college town, nothing quite compares to the feeling of sleeping in my childhood bedroom on a chilly autumn night. I love knowing that, no matter how demanding or stressful my academics may be, I will always have a safe place to return to in a commu nity I cherish.
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34 W W W . N T X C O N N E C T . C O M WELLNESS Deck the Halls or Don’t: Navigating Holiday Grief BY C I N DY JAC K S O N , LC S W, N B C - H W C More from Cindy at ntxconnect.com/authors/cindy-jackson basin at the base of the tree. So, I guess it wasn’t a total loss after all. olidays conjure up an abundance of emotions for all of us. Some of you started counting down to Christmas in mid-June, while others are still up to your elbows in Halloween candy, won dering, "Can I just throw a Santa hat on the skeleton in the yard and call that Christmas?" Whether a Norman Rockwell image warms your soul or the Grinch is your role model, loss complicates the holidays like nothing else. We carry expectations about what the holidays should include—the traditions, food, people, and emo tions—and when loss fractures that image, we feel it deeply. The holidays can shine a spotlight on what is missing and what we wish could be. This was years ago and I often reflect on those early years when celebrating was a struggle. We were griev ing the loss of a person and all the secondary losses associated with losing a father and husband. But death is not the only kind of loss that can stir grief. The end of a relationship, a change in health, the loss of a job, a move, an empty nest, financial hardship, or the fading of a long-held dream can also leave us mourning the life we once knew or expected to have. Grief is not limited to missing someone; sometimes it is the ache of adjusting to what has changed, what is absent, or what will never be the same. H The first several Christmases after my husband’s death were an amalgamation of tears, strong disagreements, confusion, and a cloak of sorrow that no gift or tradition could eradicate. My young daughters and I would attempt to decorate a tree, but we could never finish. One year, I thought getting a real Christmas tree would be the game changer. We headed straight to the Christmas tree farm. On the way home, the tree came partially untied and rode crosswise on top of our car, and we nearly lost it. After repeatedly dropping it in the front yard, we finally got busy decorating. We managed to hang about 10 ornaments before emotions ran high and we abandoned the process. Each daughter retreated to a different part of the house while I surveyed the leaning evergreen in our front room and reconsidered my choices. Our cat, Lucky, however, was delighted with the tree. She climbed wherever she could, tested her eye-paw coordination on the ornaments, and never went thirsty thanks to the water There isn’t a playbook that can take away the sting of loss or make the holidays magical. We can, however, approach the season in ways that support healing, growth, and hope. Some practical ways to navigate loss during the holidays include: • Release the pressure to recreate the past. No matter how hard we might try, traditions feel different after or during loss. Give yourself permission to change, simplify or skip them. • Manage your expectations realistically. You do not have to say, “Yes” to every invitation, decorate your house, bake and play host/hostess. It’s okay to say, “No” and often is a wonderful way to care for your self. • Acknowledge the loss rather than avoiding it. Give yourself and others permission to recognize what has changed. Perhaps do something meaningful to remember your loved one or donate to a charity that reflects your current struggle. This can also
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N T XC O N N E CT lead to a new tradition, one that is soaked in mean ing and opportunity. • Recognize that mixed emotions can coexist during celebrations. Joy and sorrow, excitement and dread, laughter and tears can run parallel, appearing at the same time. Opposing emotions may confuse us, and happiness can even feel like a betrayal of the person or life we are grieving. This is normal. Making room for the full range of emotions is an important and healthy step. • Take care of your physical needs by prioritizing rest, nutrition, movement, and boundaries around activities that deplete you. Grief and the holidays can each be exhausting; when the two collide, weariness can quickly intensify. Attending to your body will not remove the grief, but it can give you more capacity to carry it. N O V E M B E R , 2 0 2 6 35 • Prepare for the triggers that might stir up your grief. You do not have to avoid them but consider in advance what might be difficult and how you will support yourself in those moments. You might step outside, call someone you trust, shorten your visit, or simply pause and acknowledge what you are feeling. • Be willing to get additional support, such as a grief support group, counselor/coach, faith leader or healthcare professional who can help provide the extra care you need during the holidays. Several days after our initial attempt to decorate the "real" Christmas tree, I managed to hang a few more ornaments, spread out the tree skirt, and adorn the top. As I looked at our crooked, sparse tree, I felt sorry for it, but I also realized that it beautifully represented us. We were not in the condition we once were or hoped to be, yet little by little, we were healing. That Christmas was better than the year before, and I’m happy to say it has been years since we had a Christ mas tree emotional meltdown. Decorating the tree is a delightful experience once again, and each holiday offers an opportunity to grieve what was lost while taking steps toward healing. Whatever loss you may be carrying this holiday season, I hope you find moments of healing and glimpses of beauty. Looking for Support This Holiday Season? Join us for a three-week Grief Workshop Series on November 4, 11, and 18, from 6:30–8:00 p.m. at The Bridge. Preregistration is required. The cost is $30 for all three sessions. ntxconnect.com/go/grief-workshops Questions: [email protected] Grief Workshop Series The holiday season can be especially chal lenging for those experiencing grief. Recog nizing that loss takes many forms, The Bridge Coffee House is offering a three-part Grief Workshop Series through its Penny University program, providing a welcoming space for reflection, connection, and healing. Grief is not limited to the death of a loved one. Changes in relationships, health, employ ment, or other meaningful parts of life can bring feelings of loss and uncertainty. This series is designed to help participants better understand their experiences while discover ing practical ways to navigate grief. The three workshops explore different aspects of the grieving process: The Tyranny of Grief, examining its impact on the mind, body, and daily life; The Navigation of Grief, identifying helpful coping strategies and potential obsta cles to healing; and The Hope of Grief, dis covering opportunities for renewed strength, meaning, and connection. Each 90-minute session combines restorative- circle conversations, mindfulness, breath work, group discussion, supportive tools, and gentle chair yoga. Participants will find a compassionate environment where they can share their experiences, learn new skills, and connect with others facing similar challenges. Through programs like Penny University, The Bridge Coffee House continues its mission of strengthening community by bringing neigh bors together for meaningful conversations, education, and support. The three-session series costs $30. Prereg istration is required. ntxconnect.com/go/ grief-workshops 4 NOV · ALSO 11 & 18 W E D N E S DAY S WHEN WHERE REGISTER November 4, 11 & 18 6:30–8:00 PM The Bridge Coffee House ntxconnect.com/go/ grief-workshops
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36 W W W . N T X C O N N E C T . C O M FA L L E V E N T S P R E V I E W NOVEMBER 2026 Western Whirl Fundraiser for Dementia Life Dust off your boots, grab your cowboy hat, and get ready to kick up your heels for a great cause! Dementia Life STL invites the commu nity to its second annual Western Whirl. Building on the success of last year’s inaugural celebration, this western-themed fundraiser promises an unforgettable evening of mouthwatering BBQ, refreshing drinks, country music, line dancing, exciting raffles, auctions, and plenty of fun. Tickets include unlimited food, beer, wine, and seltzers, mak ing it a fantastic night out while supporting an important local mission. More than just a celebration, Western Whirl is Dementia Life’s primary annual fundraiser. Proceeds support more than 25 community groups and help expand free educational programs, caregiver resources, and special ized training for healthcare professionals and first responders. Based in St. Charles and operated entirely by volunteers, Dementia Life STL is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals living with dementia while providing education, en couragement, and support to those who care for them. “Our vision is a world where every person with dementia is loved, and every care giver is supported,” says Executive Director Mary Stoinski. Join your neighbors for an evening where western hospitality meets community gen erosity. 7 NOV S AT U R DAY November 7 5–10 PM The Marquee at New Town ntxconnect.com/go/ western-whirl ntxconnect.com/go/ dementia-life WHEN WHERE TICKETS MORE MO’ Cowbell Marathon Get ready to ring those cowbells! The annual MO’ Cowbell Marathon returns to St. Charles, bringing thousands of runners, spectators, and plenty of excitement to the area, includ ing a scenic stretch through the heart of New Town. Starting and finishing at Frontier Park along the Missouri River, the marathon course winds through historic St. Charles before making its way through New Town just past the halfway point. New this year, NTxConnect is bringing the race closer to home with an interactive race- day tracker! Building on our popular New Town Triathlon and Fourth of July Parade trackers, this online feature will help resi dents follow estimated runner progress, antic ipate when runners will reach New Town, and find the perfect spot to cheer them on. The celebration continues at Frontier Park until 2 p.m., featuring music, vendors, a kids' zone, and post-race refreshments for runners, including chocolate milk, bananas, chips, beer, and more. It's a fun atmosphere for the whole family! Grab a cowbell, gather your neighbors, and help showcase New Town's welcoming spirit. For race details, visit mocowbellmarathon.com, and watch NTxConnect.com for our interactive race tracker. 8 NOV S U N DAY November 8 7:30 AM – Noon Streets of New Town · race tracker at ntxconnect.com/ cowbell ntxconnect.com/cowbell WHEN WHERE LINK NTx After Hours with the Rogue Sweet Honeys Great music, refreshing drinks, and good company! NTx After Hours is bringing its pop ular community networking event to a new location—Shire Lane Estate! Formerly hosted at The Commons, NTx After Hours is a casual, open-house-style gathering where New Town residents, local business owners, professionals, and friends can con nect, unwind, and enjoy an evening together. Whether you're looking to make new connec tions, catch up with familiar faces, or simply enjoy some live music, everyone is welcome to stop by! Providing the evening's music is The Rogue Sweet Honeys, an acoustic trio with a little something for everyone. Their eclectic reper toire spans Bruce Springsteen, Dolly Parton, Billie Eilish, Bonnie Raitt, Kelly Clarkson, and more. From country favorites to unexpected pop hits, their lively performances are sure to keep the atmosphere fun and entertaining. Enjoy outdoor games, drinks, and plenty of opportunities to mingle with the NTx busi ness community. Local business owners are encouraged to invite their clients, making the evening a perfect opportunity for a relaxed client appreciation gathering. NTxConnect members receive two compli mentary drink tickets, and a cash bar will be available for all guests throughout the evening. No formal agenda, no pressure—just great music, great people, and a chance to con nect with your community at beautiful Shire Lane Estate. 12 NOV T H U R S DAY WHEN WHERE F O L LO W REGISTER S P O N S O R E D B Y J E F F F LO W E R R E E W I T H FA R M E R S I N S U R A N C E SPONSOR November 12 4:30–7 PM Shire Lane Estate ntxconnect.com/go/ rogue-sweet-honeys ntxconnect.com/go/ after-hours ntxconnect.com/go/ farmers-flowerree
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N T XC O N N E CT N O V E M B E R , 2 0 2 6 37 FA L L E V E N T S P R E V I E W NOVEMBER 2026 SuperJam Trio Get ready for a night of classic rock favorites! Known for high-energy performances, excep tional musicianship, and a passion for rock and roll, these seasoned performers deliver music that makes you want to sing along from the first note. Boston, Foreigner, Rush, REO Speedwagon, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, The Who, Van Halen, Toto, and Supertramp, among others. Fan favorites include Journey's "Separate Ways," Styx's "Renegade," and Kansas' "Carry On Way ward Son." For this special trio performance, lead vocal ist Steve Hall joins Eric Lysaght on guitar and backing vocals, along with James Wolfe on keyboards, saxophone, and backing vocals. Whether you're a longtime classic rock fan or simply looking for a great Saturday night out, SuperJam Trio promises outstanding mu sicianship, familiar favorites, and plenty of energy at Domain Street Wine Bar. 14 Learn more at superjamrocks.com. WHEN Their extensive repertoire celebrates rock's greatest decades, featuring music from NOV S AT U R DAY November 14 8–11 PM Domain Street Wine Bar ntxconnect.com/go/ superjam-trio WHERE D E TA I L S Breath and Sound: A Midday Reset Sometimes the best way to recharge is sim ply to slow down, breathe, and listen. Join Larissa and Kandice for Breath & Sound: A Mid day Reset, a 90-minute experience combining conscious breathwork, grounding techniques, and immersive sound healing to encourage relaxation, clarity, and renewed balance. Presented in partnership with Vibrational Pat terns, this intimate wellness experience offers an opportunity to step away from everyday responsibilities and reconnect with yourself. Through guided breathing and the soothing vibrations of therapeutic sound instruments, participants are invited to quiet their minds, release tension, and experience a deeper sense of calm. Kandice Steitz, founder of Vibrational Pat terns, is a Certified Sound Practitioner through the International Sound Therapy As sociation. Drawing on her background in music and specialized sound therapy training, Kandice incorporates instruments such as singing bowls, gongs, and chimes to create immersive soundscapes that encourage mind fulness and relaxation. Sound healing draws on centuries-old tradi tions that use rhythm, tone, and vibration to promote well-being. Combined with inten tional breathing, these practices may help reduce stress, improve focus, and support emotional balance. Whether you're navigating a busy schedule, feeling overwhelmed, or simply curious about the benefits of breathwork and sound therapy, this welcoming experience provides space to unwind and recharge. 18 NOV W E D N E S DAY WHEN WHERE REGISTER November 18 11 AM – 12:30 PM Citrine Events ntxconnect.com/go/ breath-and-sound To create a comfortable, intimate atmosphere, participation is limited to just 10 guests. Reg istration is $55 per person. The Wingmen What happens when three high school band mates turn more than 25 years of friend ship into a rock-and-roll adventure? You get The Wingmen, a St. Louis-based trio bring ing crowd favorites, three-part harmonies, and plenty of personality to Domain Street Wine Bar! Erik Hahn (guitar/vocals), Dan Kelley (guitar/ bass/vocals), and John Sieber (keys/mandolin/ vocals) first crossed paths in high school band class. Years later, after countless jam sessions and requests at friends’ parties, they decided to take their show on the road. Today, they're entertaining audiences throughout the St. Louis area with an impressive repertoire of more than 200 songs. Their musical range is anything but ordinary! From The Beatles, Creedence Clearwater Re vival, and Johnny Cash to Green Day, Weezer, and The Smashing Pumpkins, The Wingmen deliver classic rock, '90s alternative, country, and modern pop. Don't be surprised to hear Britney Spears' "Baby One More Time," Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball," or Chappell Roan's "Pink Pony Club" mixed in with "Free Fallin'" and "Sweet Caroline." And here's the best part: audience requests are encouraged! The Wingmen love letting the crowd help shape the evening's playlist, making every performance a little different. Grab your friends, enjoy your favorite wine, and get ready for a fun night of familiar hits, unexpected surprises, and great live music! Learn more at thewingmenstl.com. 20 WHEN WHERE D E TA I L S NOV F R I DAY November 20 8–11 PM Domain Street Wine Bar ntxconnect.com/go/ the-wingmen
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38 W W W . N T X C O N N E C T . C O M FA L L E V E N T S P R E V I E W NOVEMBER 2026 Walking with Fashion: Take 2 Fashion, friendship, and runway fun are returning for “Take 2!” After a successful debut in July, the Walkie Talkies are bringing back Walking with Fashion, inviting ladies to gather for an evening of style, laughter, and community connection. The Walkie Talkies began as a neighborhood walking group with a simple mission: bring women together to enjoy New Town's beau tiful streets while making new friends. That same spirit inspired Walking with Fashion, a lighthearted celebration of personal style that proved so popular the group decided to do it again! The evening features a fashion show where local ladies model their favorite outfits and share where they found them. No modeling experience is necessary—just confidence, per sonality, and an outfit you love! Models receive free admission. Guests can also participate in “Swap Till You Drop,” bringing clothing or accessories they're ready to pass along and discovering something new-to-them in return. Attendees are welcome to bring their favorite food and drinks. Whether you're walking the runway, swap ping styles, or cheering on your neighbors, Walking with Fashion promises another fun- filled celebration of the friendships that make New Town special. Admission is $10 per person to help cover the venue cost. For questions or to volunteer as a model, contact Stacey B. in the Walkie Talkies Facebook group. 21 NOV S AT U R DAY WHEN WHERE D E TA I L S November 21 4–7 PM New Town Town Hall ntxconnect.com/go/ walking-with-fashion Holiday Farmers Market After a wonderful turnout last year, the Holi day Farmers Market returns to the New Town Grand Canal for one final celebration of the season. Presented by the Saint Charles Market and brought back with the support of the New Town Trust, this festive gathering is the perfect opportunity to kick off your holiday shopping while supporting local small busi nesses. The Grand Canal will come alive with local vendors, holiday cheer, music, food, and fam ily-friendly activities. Shoppers can browse handcrafted gifts, artisan goods, baked treats, specialty foods, seasonal decorations, and unique creations from talented local makers. A special Kids Market adds to the festivities, giving young entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase their creativity and share their products with the community. Children's crafts and activities will keep little ones enter tained while families enjoy the festive atmos phere. Whether you're searching for the perfect holi day gift, enjoying a bite to eat, or catching up with neighbors along the waterfront, there's something for everyone. Every purchase sup ports the farmers, artisans, and small busi nesses that make our community special. 22 So bundle up, bring your family and friends, and enjoy a little holiday magic right in your own backyard! WHEN Interested in being a vendor? Register at ntxconnect.com/go/holiday-market-vendors VENDORS WHERE D E TA I L S NOV S U N DAY November 22 11 AM – 3 PM New Town Grand Canal ntxconnect.com/go/ holiday-market-vendors ntxconnect.com/go/ holiday-market The Stars Go Out Join a night of high-energy rock, familiar favorites, and plenty of punk attitude as The Stars Go Out takes over Domain Street Wine Bar for a Thanksgiving Eve celebration! Known for their energetic performances and signature dual-guitar sound, the band delivers a mix of original music and alternative rock favorites with a pop-punk twist. Their reper toire includes songs by Blink-182, Jimmy Eat World, Rancid, Alkaline Trio, and St. Louis favorites The Urge. They've even reimagined Taylor Swift's "Anti-Hero" as a pop-punk an them! Fans of original music will also recognize The Stars Go Out's own songs, including "Never Sleep," "Way She Goes," and "Oblivious," show casing the band's songwriting and unmistak able sound. Whether you're reconnecting with old friends, welcoming family home for the holiday, or simply looking for a lively night out before Thanksgiving come grab a drink and start the holiday weekend on a high note! Learn more at thestarsgoout.com. 25 WHEN WHERE LINK NOV W E D N E S DAY November 25 8–11 PM Domain Street Wine Bar thestarsgoout.com
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N T XC O N N E CT FA L L E V E N T S P R E V I E W N O V E M B E R , 2 0 2 6 39 NOVEMBER 2026 Thanksgiving Eve at Shire Lane Estate 5 PM | Doors open, food & drinks available Kick off the long Thanksgiving weekend with a night of food, music, and community fun featuring a spectacular helicopter Light– Up Turkey Drop and live music from New Town favorite Trixie Duo! With Thanksgiv ing preparations underway, let QuesoWhaat!?! handle dinner! Enjoy convenient dine-in or carryout options while getting ready for Thursday's big feast. 5:45 PM | “Lucky Turkey” Drawing Purchase your 50/50 turkey(s) in advance on line at NTxConnect or at QuesoWhatt!?! Each turkey offers a chance to win cash prizes, and one “lucky turkey” will be selected to ride in the helicopter and release the glowing turkeys! You do not have to be present to win cash prizes, but must be present to win the helicopter ride. 6 PM | Light-Up Turkey Drop Hundreds of glowing turkeys will drop from a helicopter toward a target behind Shire Lane Estate in a 50/50 fundraiser benefiting the Commons Foundation, supporting local neighbors and families facing unexpected hardships. 8–11 PM | Free Trixie Duo Concert Trixie Duo takes the stage with vocalist/key boardist Kelly Wild and guitarist/singer Clint Wilson, performing favorites spanning clas sic rock, country, and pop, from Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles to Johnny Cash, Adele, and Prince. ADMISSION IS FREE. Reserve a VIP table for up to 10 guests for $100. All ages welcome; minors must be accompanied by an adult. No outside food or drinks. 25 WHEN WHERE 5 0/5 0 T U R K E YS D E TA I L S NOV W E D N E S DAY November 25 5–11 PM Shire Lane Estate ntxconnect.com/go/ turkey-drop ntxconnect.com/go/ thanksgiving-eve Holidays Kick-Off Weekend Holidays Kick-Off Preview New Town welcomes the Christmas season with a festive weekend of lights, shopping, caroling and holiday traditions! From glow ing luminaries to festive homes, December starts with opportunities to celebrate, connect and give back. Friday, December 4 5:45–7:45PM | Luminary Lighting The Beach will glow with beautiful luminaries as neighbors gather for hot cocoa and Christ mas caroling. Donations to light a luminary will help support a local family during the holiday season. Saturday, December 5 11AM–3PM | Christmas Bazaar Get a head start on holiday shopping at Town Hall! Browse unique gifts, handmade creations and seasonal treasures from local vendors and resident-owned businesses. 3PM | New Town Christmas Party Head to the Amphitheater for an afternoon of holiday cheer featuring refreshments, photos with Santa and rides on Santa’s sleigh train. Open to New Town residents and their guests. 5PM | Community Christmas Tree Lighting Gather at Town Hall as New Town lights its community Christmas tree, followed by traditional Christmas caroling beginning at 5:30PM. Sunday, December 6 1–5PM | Residents Holiday Home Tour Step inside beautifully decorated New Town homes for a festive afternoon filled with Christmas décor, creative displays and holi day inspiration. Proceeds from the tour will help restock the Oasis Food Pantry. 4–6 WHEN DEC F R I DAY– S U N DAY December 4–6 Luminary lighting, Christmas Bazaar, tree lighting and more
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N T XC O N N E CT 04, 11, 18 Grief Works Series The Bridge Coffee House | 6:30 - 8 PM 07 Meet the Artist: Michelle Ross 3212 Rue Royale | 6 - 8 PM 07 Western Whirl Fundraiser for Dementia Life The Marquee at New Town | 5 - 10 PM 08 MO Cowbell Marathon Streets of New Town | 7:30 AM - 12 08 John Shanahan Concert Domain Street Wine Bar | 3 - 6 PM 10 NTx Network Lunch Shire Lane Estate | 12 - 1 PM 12 NTx After Hours: Rogue Sweet Honeys Shire Lane Estate | 4:30 - 7 PM 14 SuperJam Trio Concert Domain Street Wine Bar | 8 - 11 PM 18 Breath & Sound: A Midday Reset 3212 Rue Royale | 11 AM - 12:30 PM 20 The Wingmen Concert Domain Street Wine Bar | 8 - 11 PM 21 Walking with Fashion: Take 2 Town Hall in New Town | 4 PM 22 Holiday Farmer’s Market New Town Grand Canal | 11 AM - 3 PM 25 Thanksgiving Eve with Trixie Duo Concert Shire Lane Estate | 5 - 11 PM 25 The Stars Go Out Concert Domain Street Wine Bar | 8 - 11 PM Wednesdays Saturday 07 Michelle Ross Saturday Sunday 14 SuperJam Trio Sunday Tuesday Thursday 18 Breath & Sound Saturday Wednesday Friday 25 Trixie Duo November Events For events, details, or to add your own event to our calendar, visit ntxconnect.com/events. N O V E M B E R , 2 0 2 6 41 Saturday Sunday Wednesday Wednesday
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N T XC O N N E CT N O V E M B E R , 2 0 2 6 43 R E A L E S TAT E A New Era for New Town Parks: From Grassroots Vision to the 2027 Blueprint BY DA N I E L L E ST E I N B E R G A GRASSROOTS MILESTONE IN OUR HISTORY As New Town at St. Charles approaches its 25th anniversary, our community is reaching an exciting new milestone in how we care for our shared spaces. In November 2025, the General Assembly (GA) officially established the Parks Committee—the very first resi dent-led committee in New Town’s history. Having lived in New Town since 2016 and raising my two children—who are currently 7 and 11—on these ex act streets and play spaces, I knew immediately when the GA’s call for volunteers went out that I wanted to step up. Like so many of my neighbors, I care deeply about the heart and function of our neighborhood. We aren't paid consultants; we are everyday neighbors who spend our afternoons in these parks and want to ensure they remain safe, vibrant, and beautiful for years to come. Originally dubbed the "Playground Committee," our group quickly expanded its title to the Parks Commit tee to reflect our interests in all outdoor civic spaces, greenways, and gathering areas. Our founding mission was clear: move away from temporary, band-aid fixes and establish a thoughtful, multi-year master plan that considers our entire neighborhood network. THE 2027 BLUEPRINT When our committee began evaluating all the play grounds across our properties, a recurring set of challenges quickly became clear. While New Town’s original wooden play structures carry a charming, classic aesthetic, wood is simply not built to endure 20 years of continuous Missouri weather—especially given that the best commercial playground equipment carries a 10-to-15-year lifespan. Across our parks, aging materials, drainage issues, and structural vulnerabili ties were catching up with us all at once. Nowhere was this more urgent than at Reed Crossing Park. The Town Architect is proud of this example of a classic pocket park nestled into the Reed Crossing neighborhood a short walk from the center of New Town. Tucked under a canopy of mature shade trees just steps from our neighborhood restaurants and volleyball courts, it has long been a cozy favorite— affectionately dubbed the "Purple Slide Park" by my own kids and many others. But behind the nostalgia, years of moisture in an over-mulched pit caused struc tural issues, forcing the GA to close the equipment for safety in June 2026. The site also highlighted a major community gap: our neighborhood lacked a dedicated, secure space tailored specifically for toddlers (ages 0–5). The Parks Committee took care to assess the site challenges, and researched & contacted multiple playground compa nies to ensure the best equipment and the fairest price, ensuring community funds were used responsibly. That work paid off, with the NTGA Board granting de sign approval and including funding in the 2027 budget for a complete site overhaul with commercial manu facturer Landscape Structures. Planned for early 2027 construction, the new Reed Crossing will feature an open-sightline Weevos toddler playset, toddler swings, level site grading, and seamless, all-inclusive poured- in-place rubber safety surfacing. Crucially, the layout maintains a 6-foot root buffer to protect our mature
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44 W W W . N T X C O N N E C T . C O M shade trees while preserving the fully enclosed fence parents have depended on for years. T H E B L U E P R I N T, N O T T H E F I N I S H L I N E While the Reed Crossing project focuses on our youngest users, it also provides the Committee’s work process, outlining how we will move forward guiding the maintenance and improvements for all parks and Commons owned by the New Town General Assembly. In our Community Vision Survey, 116 resident re sponses made one thing clear: New Town needs out door spaces that serve every stage of life. The survey highlighted strong interest in broader community con cepts—such as active youth recreation areas, shaded gathering spots, multi-generational fitness routes, and dog parks. It's important to note that these survey results repre sent community desires, which will be evaluated for feasibility on an ongoing basis. Every project will re quire its own site feasibility review, resident feedback, and budget approval before work begins. However, establishing a multi-year master plan ensures we eval uate our parks cohesively rather than making quick, isolated fixes. Working alongside Town Architect Tim Busse and GA leadership, our goal is to maintain New Town’s unique character while evolving to meet the needs of today’s and future residents. Stewardship starts with moving from passive ob servers to active participants. The first step to becoming involved is to stay informed. Download the Frontsteps app, read GA updates, and take three minutes to fill out future park surveys. Those responses are the road map we will use to plan all future projects that we will bring to the Board to justify where community dollars are spent. Taking pride in our shared spaces also means knowing who to contact. When equipment breaks or an issue arises, report it directly to the NTGA office staff so the maintenance team can address it right away. Our volunteer committee is here to dream up, design, and facilitate long-term revitalizations—keeping that distinction clear helps everyone get results faster. Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome new Parks Committee members through rotating, project-specific volunteer opportunities. The process for each project— from surveying neighbors to sourcing vendor bids and seeing a new project completed—is a self-contained effort, allowing neighbors to step up for a project that directly impacts their corner of town without needing a multi-year commitment. Being part of this grassroots effort has been an incred ibly rewarding experience. Looking back at what our committee has accomplished since our inception in late 2025—from collecting feedback to securing Board approval for Reed Crossing—I am so proud of how far we’ve come. I can’t wait to see this pilot project through to completion in 2027 and continue working alongside our neighbors to keep making New Town an even better place to live. M E E T YO U R PA R K S C O M M I T T E E • Committee Chair: April Heitgerd • Resident Volunteers: Michelle Hrastich, Alyssa Kibbe, Andrew Knaack, Matthew Mendes, Timothy Smith, Terri Steffes, and Danielle Steinberg • Town Architect & GA Support: Tim Busse (Town Architect), Mike Miller (Board Oversight), and Tanea Jordan (Community Management) H AV E YO U R S AY O N F U T U R E PA R K P H A S E S ! We need your continuous input to guide where com munity dollars go next. Scan the QR code below or log into your Frontsteps portal to complete our brief com munity survey and share your ideas for New Town’s green spaces! COMMUNITY VISION SURVEY ntxconnect.com/go/parks-survey
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N T XC O N N E CT N O V E M B E R , 2 0 2 6 45 FRENCHTOWN CONNECTION Lively Spirits and Grave Competition at the Frenchtown Dead Heat Coffin Race F renchtown proved that October thrills are alive and kicking—even when caskets are involved—at the first Dead Heat Coffin Race on Saturday, October 24. The spirited showdown kicked off with timed quali fying runs outside Bench Racers. Organizers used the time trials to seed 14 creative and competitive teams in a high-stakes bracket, and soon head-to-head racing was in full swing. Crowds lined the 100-yard course to cheer on teams and when the dust settled and the final heats con cluded, official trophies and $100 cash prizes were handed out to the day’s standout contenders: • 1st Place: Ghoul Runnings (pushing Ghoul Runnings) • 2nd Place: Tiki Terrors (pushing Wasted Away Again) • Best Coffin Award: Tiki Terrors for Wasted Away Again • Best Entourage: 360 RIP Permanent Retirement (push ing Dead Equity) The festivities didn't end at the finish line. Spectators and participants joined a lively “funeral procession” making its way to Good News Brewing and Naked Tiki Distilling, where the celebration continued. As dusk settled on the celebration, "Mourners" were treated to a special surprise: a massive flash mob of zombies grooving to Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Pictured below, top right: Jerry Boshears, one of the four original board members of the Frenchtown Her itage Museum, with his son Jeff. ALL 24 PHOTOS FROM THE RACE ntxconnect.com/go/coffin-race-photos
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46 W W W . N T X C O N N E C T . C O M advertisers index. 1905 New Media Academy of the Sacred Heart AMB Photography C.A. Thornton LLC Citrine Events Commons Fitness Center Cruise Planners Dirty River Records Donati Real Estate Group F3 The Chuck Gorilla Roofing Missouri Basement New Town Pickleball Newbury Flats Next Mission Financial Planning NTxConnect NZN Media Our Good Life – Terri Steffes Pundmann Ford Q101.7 FM Regional Eyecare Salon Turbo Shire Lane Estate Siding Repair Systems Studio Luebke The Bridge Coffee House The Law Office of Matthew J. Williams 42 21 42 15 24 14 26 23 40 9 31 2 33 14 26 40 20 40 48 47 33 24 24 33 31 31 26